The Alpha novel Chapter 28

Scarlet's POV

"Good morning Scarlet! It's so lovely to see you again! I trust that you slept well," Lucien states with a smile as he gestures for me to come in, Levi and Tony following closely behind me.

"Yes, thank you. And yourself?" I respond politely, trying to get my nerves under control. I don't know why I'm feeling so anxious. After all, I just have to stand here while he paints me, right? He begins to lead us down the hall and I look around as I try to remember the tour Ethan had given him the day before. When we stop at a set of double doors, my anxiety spikes up and I look at Lucien. "This is your bedroom," I state, trying to remain impassive. Maybe he just needs to get his supplies still...

"Ah yes! Well, it has the most space and the best lighting this time of day," he confirms as he opens the doors, clearly ignoring that I'm obviously hesitating.

"I don't know-" I begin before he cuts me off.

"Don't worry Scarlet! Everything will be completely professional," he insists with a smile before pulling me into the room by the hand. Tony and Levi try to follow but Lucien instantly stops them. "You two can wait outside." He then closes the doors in their faces.

I stand rigid just inside the room as I look around with wide eyes. The curtains that hang over the large window and French doors that lead to the balcony are pulled open, allowing the sun's rays to cover the massive room. A four-poster king size bed is along one wall, a sitting area along another, and in the center of the room an upholstered chaise lounge. Near the chaise is an easel with a large blank canvas sitting on it. There is a table pulled over to it where all of his supplies are sitting out for him to use.

"Alright my muse," Lucien beams as he comes up to me and takes my hands in his before leading me over to the window. "I'm going to start out with taking several pictures of you that way I have every angle I need if I need to refer back after you have left. For now, just stand here while I try to get all of your angles."

I give a subtle nod, unsure of how I feel about this whole situation. During dinner I hadn't imagined it would be like this. I'm alone with him in his room and now he is slowly moving around me like a predator stalking its prey as he takes picture after picture of me. "Turn your head and look over your shoulder for me. Good," he continues to coach as he has me reposition myself before taking more photos. "Lastly, come here and sit on the chaise. Prop your elbow up and lean-ah yes. Just like that."

Finally, he states that he is finished with that and begins looking around the room. "Okay, you can stay on the chaise for now. Just relax while I get started." He moves over to his canvas and begins going through his supplies. I don't really pay attention to what all he is doing as I allow my mind to wander. I wish Ethan was here. I feel so vulnerable being alone with this man in his room and I don't like it. I still can't believe he didn't think of a better place to do this. Thank goddess Levi and Tony are just outside waiting for me. Lucien occasionally comes over and adjusts my posture or how my hair is laying, but for the most part I am left to just lounge back, attempting to relax. Lucien seems to be trying to help with classical music playing softly in the background and a lavender scent filling the room from burning oils.

After what feels like hours I finally begin to relax and my body begins to warm. Lucien's focus is solely on his work and my mind continues to drift. I find myself thinking of Ethan, his scorching blue eyes burning into me, his dark hair tousled like he just got out of bed, his chiseled jaw covered in dark stubble as he prowls over to me. His tanned muscles bulging as he rips his shirt off and pulls me into him. Suddenly, my body seems to be much hotter, so much so that I feel like I'm on fire. My eyes begin to water from the pain and my stomach cramps. I notice that my panties are damp and when I look over to Lucien he is frozen in his spot, eyeing me hungrily with dark eyes that show his wolf has taken over. "Scarlet..." he growls lowly as he takes a step in my direction.

Shit! Realization hits me and panic coils in my stomach, making me instantly feel nauseous. I'm in heat. "Get out of here now!" my wolf screeches at me causing me to jump up from my seat, bringing me out of my shocked daze.